Save Mart to phase out sales of 'pink slime'

Wednesday

Mar 28, 2012 at 12:01 AM

Save Mart Supermarkets announced Tuesday that it would join a number of other grocery chains and phase out sales of ground beef containing lean, finely textured beef, widely decried as pink slime, from its outlets.

Reed Fujii

Save Mart Supermarkets announced Tuesday that it would join a number of other grocery chains and phase out sales of ground beef containing lean, finely textured beef, widely decried as pink slime, from its outlets.

Customers who want products without the additive may already buy ground beef under the Organic Prairie, Harris Ranch or Laura's brand labels.

Those who have concerns or questions about the unbranded ground beef should ask meat department workers for details, Rockwell said.

Lean, finely textured beef is made from beef trimmings run through a centrifuge to remove the fat. It is then treated with ammonium hydroxide or other antimicrobials to kill any bacteria.

"The process itself is safe and is endorsed by the USDA," Rockwell said. In addition, she said Save Mart never carried beef that was treated with ammonium hydroxide.

"Our ground right now does not contain that," she said.

The lean beef additive is likely safe, said Judith S. Stern, emeritus professor of nutrition at the University of California, Davis. But that doesn't mean it's appealing.

"I want to have a choice and, if I choose, I don't want pink slime. I want to get as close to Angus beef without paying the price," she said. "I'm not being a scientist right now; that's just how I feel."

Production of lean, finely textured beef began in the 1980s and the product has been widely used blended into ground beef and hamburger patties to help reduce fat content and costs.

However, recent publicity and increasing consumer awareness of the product have triggered changes.

Restaurant chains McDonald's, Burger King and Taco Bell in December announced they would discontinue its use in their food.

Earlier this month, in response to parents' objections, the USDA said it would give school districts the option of choosing ground beef containing the additive or unadulterated beef with a higher level of fat.

Beef Products Inc., a major producer, announced Monday that it would close three of its four plants where lean, finely textured beef is made.